Tournament: Europa League Qualification
Venue: Neo GSP Stadium (Nicosia)
Date & Kick-off Time: August 29, 2024, 13:00
APOEL will host RFS in the return leg of the final round of Europa League qualification on August 29, 2024. After suffering a defeat in the first leg in Lithuania, APOEL will look to overturn the deficit in front of their home fans in Nicosia.
Key Statistics and Trends
- APOEL has won only 1 out of their last 8 matches.
- RFS has won 6 consecutive matches.
- RFS has scored in each of their last 8 matches.
- APOEL wins the first half in 36% of their matches, while RFS wins the first half in 58% of their games.
Our Prediction for the Match: APOEL vs RFS
APOEL, also known as "The Legend," reclaimed the Cypriot championship title after a five-year gap. However, their recent form has been less than impressive, with only one win in their last eight matches. In contrast, RFS, a relatively young club founded in 2016, has been on an excellent run, winning six matches in a row and securing their second league title last season.
Both teams started their European campaigns in the Champions League qualifiers. APOEL managed to edge past Petrocub but was knocked out by Slovan Bratislava without scoring in either leg. Meanwhile, RFS cruised past Larne but was outclassed by Bodo/Glimt in the next round. In the Europa League, RFS looked dominant against weaker opposition, thrashing UE Santa Coloma with a 9-0 aggregate score.
In the first leg between these two sides, RFS emerged victorious with a 2-1 win, thanks to a goal and an assist from Ikaunieks. However, APOEL's El Arabi managed to score a crucial away goal, keeping the tie alive.
Possible Starting Lineups
APOEL (probable lineup):
- Goalkeeper: Belec
- Defenders: Susic, Dvali, Petrovic
- Midfielders: Quintilla, Kostadinov, Sarfo, Chebake
- Forwards: Marquinhos, El Arabi, Ndongala
RFS (probable lineup):
- Goalkeeper: Ondoa
- Defenders: Mares, Lipuscek, Prenga, Savalnieks
- Midfielders: Markhiev, Panic, Ikaunieks
- Forwards: Kouadio, Osuagwu, Diomande
Head-to-Head Matches: APOEL vs RFS
This will be the first visit to Nicosia for RFS, who managed to secure a narrow win in the first leg of this tie.
Free Prediction for the Match: APOEL vs RFS
While APOEL is traditionally a strong side at home, their recent form raises questions about their ability to overturn the deficit. RFS, on the other hand, has been in excellent form and could surprise the Cypriot giants. We recommend betting on RFS with a +1.0 goal handicap at odds of 1.9, as they have shown they can compete at this level and could either win or keep the match close.
Prediction: RFS to win or draw with a +1.0 goal handicap
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